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Tantalizingly Tangy Chili-Cheese Dogs

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Did you know July is National Hot Dog Month?

I guess it makes sense since this is the month when Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place. I think this year, fifty-nine hot dogs were eaten in 10 minutes and then an overtime round was required because of a tie. Ack! Fifty-nine dogs plus the tie-breaker round…no thanks!

We don’t have hot dogs around here very often, but when we do, we like them slathered with chili and cheese. And not just any chili, it has to be sweet and super tangy. I love chili with cumin and cayenne but not on a hot dog. I prefer something that really forces my taste buds to stand up and salute. This is why I came up with Noble Pig’s Tantalizingly Tangy Chili-Cheese Dogs. Hold me.

These chili-dogs have an amazing burst of flavor like you have never tasted before. The tang gives you this awesome puckering sensation in your mouth but in a very good way. It’s not overpowering, it’s just right.

But before we get to making them, there has been a lot of information written about Hot Dog Etiquette. Didn’t think it existed did you? I feel it’s important we peruse over some hot dog dogma to see if we agree or disagree with what the so-called hot dog experts are saying is the proper way to enjoy a wiener.

HOT DOG ETIQUETTE 101

Dress the dog, not the bun. Put the dog into the bun, then add toppings.

I always add the dog, then condiments, then toppings…always. Wow, so far I’m a hot dog eating robot.

Apply condiments in this order: wet (mustard and chili), chunky (relish and onions), cheese, then spices.

Unless I’m serving 100 people, we will be eating off of real dishes, thank you.

Never, never, never use a fork to eat a hot dog. Never.

Ummm, these people have never had me serve them a chili-cheese dog. It’s un-pick-upable. (I think I just made that word up.)

Eat dogs in five bites or fewer. For foot-longs, it is acceptable to take seven bites.

Not to be the bearer of bad news but hot dogs are one of the foods people choke on the most! It doesn’t dissolve. Once stuck it’s stuck. It’s the one food I will not leave my kids alone to eat. The whole time I yell remind them to take small bites.

Ketchup on hot dogs is for kids.

This person is a total whack-job. Ketchup is my third love after mayonnaise and butter.

I think the rule author has a screw or two loose. I’ll admit I don’t put catsup on hot-dogs, or anything, but that is because I don’t like catsup. I did try a catsup at a resturant that they had made and it was good. So I’ll be making it again this fall.

The recipes here and on similar blogs are not the reason for obesity. Contrary, the people who use these tend to avoid fast food. A hot dog may be fast food, but when you made it yourself, and I do, you know what is in it.

That chili topping does sound good. I bet the hot wing sauce really adds some kick. I think I’ll have to try it. Ooh, I wonder what a red, hot, and bleu dog would be like. Is that just wrong?

As for the rules, I agreed with most of your comments about them. Ketchup (or catsup) is often overused, but it just belongs on a hot dog. I don’t put it on a chili dog, though.

Are you picky about what kind of dogs you buy? Those look like pretty good quality. I don’t like the cheap-o squishy dogs. They cause an immediate gag reflex. I do like the Sam’s beef franks that come 80 to a box, and they are a good price. I also like some of the turkey dogs, Ball Park, and Hebrew National, but HN is a bit pricey for a dog.

That hot dog looks fabulous! I like hot dogs once in a while almost burnt on the grill. There is something about that crispy skin they get that I really like. However, I might change my mind about that for your delectable looking dogs!

I’m a huge fan of the chili-cheese dog (in moderation, of course!) and I will definitely try your recipe–it sounds amazing!!

And, yeah, a lot of what theat “hot dog expert” said doesn’t work for me. Especially the large bite thing. Like you, I’m constanstly saying “take small bites! Chew it up!” if my kids are eating hot dogs!

I love the way you take hot dogs seriously in the US – it’s brilliant! Is this a chilli daaawg?! I can’t stop looking at your pictures either and I totally agree about the bun – it’s got to be a plain and simple one and soft at that. Yum!

We had A LOT of hot dogs growing up so now, I very rarely have them if I’m not in a baseball park. What is it about baseball hotdogs that makes them taste so much better than anywhere else? But I like my dogs absolutely plain – dog and bun and nothing else. Yes, I am the weirdo in my family:)

You have left out the most important part of this post, but I’ll just assume its true: surely you ate these in 5 bites or less? Otherwise the hot dog police must be notified post-haste! lol, these look great though–its been ages since I’ve had hot dogs, and covered in chili is the only way to do it

Oh why do I look at your blog so early in the morning? Now I must go make a chili dog for breakfast. The farmer will know now that I a certifiable nuts. Never saw a chili dog I didn’t like but these look fantastic.

Hot Dogs Rule – You go hot dog girl! and right on with the ketchup….personally I am a burn that hot dog baby, love ’em a but burnt. Your recipe here for the hot dog chili sounds amazing….sssh don’t tell a soul, I have never had chili on my dogs, I will just have to try yours!

Holy shnikees! I think hot dogs for breakfast is a stellar idea! As far as the ‘rules’ are concerned, I think ketchup is okay of you’re having mustard or relish, although ketchup AND relish seems mighty sweet. I love ketchup and mustard though, they balance each other so well.

With regards to the cheese being on top? Well, I’m a double cheeser. A little UNDER the chili so you get a melty cheesy layer then more on top, for an instant hit of cheese upon biting!

I also have to argue with the wine aspect. A yummy fizzy lambrusco would be great with the chili dog. It gives the same palate cleansing effect of a soda. Just stay away from Riunite. Especially on ice…

i went to an atlanta braves game last night and my cousin’s girlfriend ordered a hot dog. can i tell you, for $7 that thing needed to have been made of some salmon lox and homemade ketchup and mustard, at least. it wasn’t even attractive.

i think imma try urs!! Nice job! And I’m glad to be back. I’ve been out of visiting for about 2 weeks now with all that was going on. Thanks so much for th e support!

I just adore a good hotdog – always have – and while your recipe looks incredible, I’ll probably never make it.

The one and only chili-cheese dog I’ve ever eaten – and let me tell you I adored/loved/purred over every single bite – I ate when I was 7 1/2 months pregnant. Let’s just leave it that my suffering was immediate, immense and horrifying. Not the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

Maybe someday I’ll get over the memory…(sigh).

It really does look delicious. And anything in moderation (well, maybe not crack-cocain) is perfectly ok!

yumm Cathy! I love Hebrew Nationals and willingly pay the price at Trader Joe’s. I have made your red potatoes (sliced on the wooden spoon) twice now and finished them on the grill instead of in the oven. They are terrific and quite popular with my teenage girls and their friends! Thanks for a great recipe! Can’t wait to try the chili recipe.

salivating. You don’t have to tell me to celebrate Hot Dog month! My kids, their mother is nuts and she cuts the dog down the middle so it won’t get stuck. Hubby refuses to do it.Oh, and which wine goes with hot dogs, anyway?

Thank goodness you used Hebrew National Hot Dogs.I don’t like chili on my dogs (please still love me?), but I do love anything else on them (not ketchup though). And some extra cheese please? Thank you.I will have a very cold beer with mine and a wedge of lime in there. I should be all set then, no, wait, I will take some cheddar fries as well. You with me? Still there?(lol)

Even if I only adopt your recipe for the chili – man-o-man! Delectable! My kids are hotdog lovers & I am a split down the middle mom, too. I use kosher dogs, too, they taste really good. I can’t eat the others – ew!

I remember my first mountain hot dog. I was at a farm auction and ordered a hot dog from the local church group that was handling refreshments. I was astounded to be handed a bun with a hot dog covered in chili and slaw. When I tasted it, I fell in love. I can’t imagine eating them any other way now.

Oh, dude. What are you trying to do to me? I am soooo picky about my hot dogs…they have to be Oscar Meyer regular old fashioned hot dogs. They stopped making them. And now I am hot dog-less. And then you post THIS. Thanks a lot.

Always slice my dogs partially lengthwise and partially slice into about every inch crosswise, which allows for better grilling (a.k.a. burning LOL) IMHO and also allows the toppings to get right into the center of the dog. No beans in my chili for dogs (otherwise, yes). I put enough onions in the chili so I don’t additional raw ones, but I do love the cheese on top. (DH can’t even eat a non-chili dog without cheese.) This is camping season for us so we grill dogs usually on Sunday afternoon before we head home. Today I just wasn’t in the moood for a dog, but perhaps if I’d read your post beforehand I would have been in the mood for some chili dogs! Maybe next Sunday while camping … Thanks, Cathy!

I believe in grilling hot dogs in the summer or eating them at sporting events. I do not believe in keeping them around and boiling or microwaving them–yech. I only put ketchup on mine–so sue me, I found perfection and never messed with it. 🙂 I eat them in as small of bites as possible to keep myself from eating a second–and yeah the person who wrote the rules did not have small kids.

Cathy,I love your site and love this post on hot dog. I am not a hotdog person, not because I dislike it, it just I don’t really see it often. In my life I’ve only eaten hotdog twice (that ashamed!), one was in NYC and the last one was this year, on the 4th of July. Plus we don’t have a hotdog stand in our neighborhood. And, when I saw your hotdog, I promise myself that I will make this tomorrow.

ooh looks good I am glad i know the etiquette now although its pretty intuitive except spices.Those buns look very gourmet. I live in an in no way gourmet town so its hard to get those without maybe spending at tank of gas looking for something mildly resembling them. My husband has a bakery and he has some hot dog bun pans but he is too busy baking thousands and thousands of loaves per day to worry about making me some stupid gourmet hotdog buns…maybe for my anniversary just kidding

this is food porn to the extreme. i usually just eat my weiners with lots of ketchup (i complete disagree with that “rule” of etiquette. ridiculous.) and mustard, but goodness gracious. i’ve never craved a chili dog so much in my entire life!

Unbelievable. I’ve been trying to avoid hot dog eating for a few years now. I feel like all that hard work has just been undone. These photos are killing me. I made a similar meat topping last night, and have it left over! It would be perfect on a hot dog.

Hey … is that trick photography? Those dogs actually look GOOD (and I ummmmm … be polite … “dislike” hot dogs so intensely). Miss NP, you are a magician, it seems, as well as a clever writer and cook extraordinaire. : )

p.s.What’s with the grumpy berry above who comes to a blog laden with good food and fine wine laced with abundant wit, and starts griping about obesity? He’s no fun! ; )

Oh my, did she forget to include the disclaimer about having self-control at the table and then pushing away in order to go participate in an active life? Food doesn’t cause obesity … gluttony does. (Add a tv remote and a “diet” soda and you’re had!) Lighten up and enjoy the pics if for no other reason than they bring this “ick” food (in my book) to the level of art in these pics. (Hey, from ick to pic — are you smiling yet? No, then I better go spend my time on something productive … like vacuuming.)

~~Life’s too short to waste with a frown (plus, it gives you wrinkles)~~ : )

Hot dogs are one of those things that I’m a tad bit embarrassed to admit that I LOVE. Chili dogs remind me of tailgating in college. I wonder if we ever adhered to ANY type of etiquette back in those days?! 🙂

I make them the same way you do. Also, every time I make homemade chili, I put the leftover chili in a freezer container and leave in freezer until we have chili dogs. It’s so easy to just zap it in the microwave.

Hey, you made me smile! When you laugh the world laughs with you and when you cry you cry alone.I don’t know if vacuuming could be considered productive on a beautiful day when you could be out and about!

Mmmm…I love hotdogs. When I was little, I put both ketchup and mustard on the, but now, I’m a just-mustard fan. I also love sauerkraut on there with the mustard. (unless there’s chili involved…then none of those…)

Also, I actually prefer to dress the bun and then put the dog on…it keeps me from spilling everything all over. But, that’s just me. 😉

I never cut up my own hotdog, but I always cut up Claire’s…and probably will until she’s about 16. 🙂

OMG. I’ve been craving a good, messy chili cheese hot dog, and this chili recipe was perfection. Admittedly I omitted the buffalo wing sauce, but it was still delicious and exactly what I was hoping it would be. 😀

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HI! I’M CATHY.

Hi! I’m Cathy. I’ve escaped from a peculiar
Northern California college town that built an
underground tunnel to save toads from the
potentials of vehicular frog-slaughter. I now
live in Mcminnville, Oregon where my husband
and I have planted a vineyard, started a winery
and make wine in the heart of Oregon wine
country. I love mayonnaise, butter and
Jewish men. Barry, Jerry and Larry come to
mind. Gluttony is my sin of choice. Welcome
to my weird and wonderful world.